Mourinho backs referee Montero after Mbappé penalty row

Real Madrid head coach José Mourinho publicly supported referee Munuera Montero’s officiating standards following his team’s 3-0 triumph against Racing Santander at El Sardinero. Despite significant debate surrounding a penalty awarded to Kylian Mbappé and other contested calls, the Portuguese manager characterized the official’s work as technically excellent.

Referee Performance Defense

Mourinho addressed the post-match media with firm praise for Montero’s management of the fixture. He explicitly rejected claims that Racing Santander deserved a penalty for a handball incident involving Aurélien Tchouaméni. The coach stated that while he could not see the action clearly from sixty meters away during the match, subsequent review confirmed the video assistant referee had correctly identified no offense occurred.

"They protested about everything," Mourinho said regarding the opposition's complaints. "I really admire this stadium, it is special. People do not come to the cinema just to watch a show, here the fans play. But there are many who do not know the rules, and that is partly due to them being changed constantly."

He reiterated his stance on the specific incident: "It was not a penalty on Tchouaméni... when I saw it, I was sure that the video assistant referee was not oblivious. It was not a penalty. The referee was technically brilliant."

Match Analysis and Squad Progress

Reflecting on the game itself, Mourinho acknowledged that the final scoreline might have been higher, noting that Real Madrid could have won 4-0. However, he admitted certain phases of the contest threatened to become complicated. Describing the result as a good win in an important week, he highlighted the squad’s ongoing development both physically and tactically.

The manager singled out Jude Bellingham and Diomande for their contributions, praising the group’s fierce commitment. While recognizing the team’s step-by-step growth, Mourinho emphasized the continued need for increased goal output, particularly when facing opponents who deploy defensive formations.

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Upcoming Fixture

Mourinho pointed to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s strong showing despite recent absences, linking individual confidence to the accumulation of positive results. He explained that emotional factors play a crucial role in football, making tasks appear easier when wins stack up.

Regarding a specific gesture made by the coach once Real Madrid held a three-goal lead, Mourinho clarified his intent was protective. "Can you imagine if one of the arrogant ones exploited our mistake and took a quick free kick? I try to help the team in every way possible," he said.

His attention had already shifted toward the upcoming match in Athens. Mourinho revealed that substitutions made during the Santander game were not pre-planned but rather part of weighing whether to rest players unlikely to start the next fixture. With four or five changes anticipated, he noted that Spanish football expects its teams to secure victories.